Srinagar, Jul 16: Expressing deep concern over the declining number of Hajj applicants from Jammu and Kashmir, the region’s Grand Mufti, Mufti Nasser-ul-Islam, on Thursday urged all eligible Muslims to submit their forms without further delay, asserting that postponing the pilgrimage without a valid reason is “impermissible in Islam.”
Issuing a special appeal to the people, the Grand Mufti as per news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) underscored that Hajj constitutes a fundamental pillar of Islam and remains an obligatory religious duty for every Muslim who is financially, physically, and logistically capable.
“It is a matter of grave concern that despite a substantial number of affluent Muslims in our society, Hajj applications from J&K have witnessed a persistent decline over the past several years. I call upon all eligible individuals to not procrastinate in fulfilling this sacred obligation and to submit their applications before the 20th of this month,” he said.
The Grand Mufti also moved to dispel confusion over application charges, clarifying that the Hajj form is being made available gratis. “No fee is required for submitting the application. People must not labour under any misapprehension in this regard,” he added.
Advising prospective pilgrims, the Grand Mufti recommended applying through the Hajj Committee of India as the primary channel, pointing out that the quota for private Hajj Group Organisers (HGOs) has not been announced yet and has historically remained restricted. “It would be prudent to secure your berth through the government route to ensure you are not left out if private seats remain unavailable,” he remarked.
The Grand Mufti further announced that Friday would be observed as “Hajj Motivation Day” across the Union Territory, to be followed by a week-long “Hajj Awareness Week.” He exhorted all religious scholars, imams, Khatibs, heads of madrasas, and Muslim organisations to actively join the outreach efforts.
“Mosques across the region will dedicate their Friday sermons to highlighting the significance of Hajj. Religious institutions and NGOs will also organise awareness camps and programmes in every district,” he informed.
The Grand Mufti also urged those without passports to apply for them immediately to avert last-minute complications. He clarified that performing Umrah does not absolve one of the obligation of Hajj, and those with adequate means remain duty-bound under Islamic law to perform it.
He disclosed that a large congregation of eminent scholars from all schools of thought would be convened shortly under the aegis of the Jammu & Kashmir Muslim Personal Law Board to deliberate on the challenges confronting Hajj aspirants and chart a way forward. (KNS)
